WELLSBURG - Officials at Brooke Hills Park say at a time when many families are tightening their budgets, they don't have to go far to find affordable summer fun.
The park is just a short drive from Wellsburg, and area residents of all ages will get a chance to sample the park's facilities at no cost next weekend.
The park will be celebrating West Virginia Day, which marks West Virginia's entry into statehood, on Saturday by offering free admission to all of its attractions, including its swimming pool, miniature golf course, paddle boats and batting cages, said Janice McFadden, the park's director.
A covered-dish picnic is planned at 6 p.m. with hot dogs and soft drinks provided by the park, which is off state Route 27 about five miles east of state Route 2.
McFadden said it will be a good time for those who haven't visited the park in recent years to see its newer features, including a paintball course established by Eagle Scout Jared Harlan of Follansbee and fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 345.
McFadden said no admission is required for the paintball course. Currently its patrons must bring their own equipment, though the park may offer gear for rent in the future, she said.
Probably the park's most popular feature, its 18-hole par 3 traditional golf course, is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
The park's swimming pool is open from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays and from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays, sometimes remaining open later, depending on demand and weather. Hours for the other facilities vary, and visitors may call the park at (304) 737-1236 for information.
The Brooke Hills Park Board has been dealing with financial constraints that led to its cutting staff, but the park still has a full slate of special events planned for the summer season, thanks in part to the involvement of outside groups and many volunteers, according to officials.
McFadden said representatives of Cabela's will be holding a fishing demonstration there in July, and in August a camping program in which participants may stay overnight is planned.
The park offers primitive camp sites and hookups for recreational vehicles throughout the summer.
McFadden said the park will hold is annual night golf scramble at 6 p.m. June 27. The cost is $50 for golfing and dinner or $20 for those who just want to come for dinner, which will be served at 8 p.m. Reservations should be made by calling the park.
The park also will hold a mud bog that day. The competition involves drivers of four-wheel-drive vehicles attempting to make their way through a thick mud pit, with the winner receiving a cash prize. Admission is $5 per person, with pit passes, which enable observers to get a closer look, available for an additional $5.
McFadden said this year mud bogs featuring children on tricycles have been added to the events.
She said the park again will offer a series of week-long children's day camps, thanks to the efforts of Brooke County schoolteacher Diane Lucero and many volunteers. The camps will run from June 22 through Aug. 14, with such themes as West Virginia Rocks, spotlighting the state's history and culture; SOS - Securing Our Safety, covering safety tips for children with the help of local police and emergency officials; the Wild, Wild West and Wild about Wilderness.
The cost is $35 for half-day camps aimed at children ages 4-6 and $75 for full-day camps for children ages 7-9, with discounts available for multiple children from the same family. Children in the full-day camps end their days at the park's swimming pool.
McFadden said dates remain on this year's calendar to rent the park's shelters. Shelter users receive a discount on admission to the pool and other attractions.
For information, call the park or visit its Web site at www.brookehillspark.com.
McFadden said the park always has been indebted to its many volunteers, and at a time when the park is coping with budgetary cuts, the need for help is even greater.
"We need people to do weed-eating, tend to our flowers or just pick up the trash," she said.
"We depend on people throughout the Tri-State Area in a lot of ways, through volunteering, support of our programs and donations," McFadden said.
(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com)
